Tyson Gay, Olympic Sprinter, Fails Drug Test

Tyson Gay has won the 100 and 200-meter races at the U.S. nationals last month

Tyson Gay, the Olympic sprinter who holds the American record for the 100-meter, failed a drug test, despite the athlete’s spirited participation in anti-doping programs.

Addressing the test results, Gay was apologetic, but stopped short of taking full responsibility. "I don't have a sabotage story. I don't have any lies. I don't have anything to say to make this seem like it was a mistake or it was on USADA's hands, someone playing games," Gay said, according to the Daily Mirror. "I don't have any of those stories. I basically put my trust in someone and I was let down."

Gay, who has volunteered for enhanced testing to prove his drug free status in the past with the My Victory program, has never been taken for a drug-user. However, with the out-of-competition test on May 16, Gay tested positive for a banned substance, which has yet to be revealed. Gay will likely face a 2-year ban from the sport as a result of the positive testing, though it could be shortened if extenuating circumstances can be proven.

Gay, 30, had won both the 100 and 200-meter races at the U.S. nationals last month. He has announced that he would be pulling out of this year’s world championships, which he dominated in 2007 – winning the 100, 200 and 4×100 relay.

Other track athletes whose results turned out positive in the out-of competition test include Jamaican runners Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson. Powell once held the world record for the 100-meter dash, while Simpson has earned a gold and two silver medals during the Olympic games. Neither athlete is taking full blame for the failed tests.